Feb 6, 2026 - World

What delays? Milan's Olympic hockey arena opens with Italy win

Ina Fried

Ice hockey faceoff between players in blue and white jerseys with referee dropping puck on ice in an arena marked with Milano Cortina Olympic branding. — Italy faced off against France in the first Olympic game played at oft-delayed Santa Giulia hockey stadium in Milan. Photo: Ina Fried

The first Olympic match at Milan's brand new and oft-delayed Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena went off without a hitch Thursday, with the Italian women's team defeating France 4-1.

Why it matters: Construction delays brushed up right up against this week's deadline — but most fans in the crowd probably couldn't tell just how close a shave it was.

The arena may not be fully finished, but the play on the ice was stellar and the stadium did its part: not getting in the way of the action.

The scoreboard — while not giant — is a huge step up from the heavily mocked, minuscule version used during a test event last month.

Yes, but: Some fan experience kinks remain.

In one restroom, several of the automatic faucets were continuously turning off and on.

Meanwhile: In a separate match played at the smaller Rho Arena, the Team USA women handily defeated the Czech Republic, 5-1.

What we're watching: A Canada-Finland women's match was postponed amid a norovirus flare-up among the Finns, raising concerns of a broader outbreak.

Go deeper: Minnesota Olympians pushing women's hockey to win gold and go viral

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What delays? Milan's Olympic hockey arena opens with Italy win

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